April 18, 2019

From TI calculators, the early days of voicemail, to the future of flight – Texas continues to make history as a hub for technology developments that shape our workplaces and enhance our lives. Hear about these developments and more on TechMinute with host Omar Gallaga, a native Texan and tech writer.

We’re proud to sponsor this audio series that covers emerging business trends, the impact of new technologies, and the gadgets and apps that can improve our safety and quality of life. In this post, we’re highlighting some of Gallaga’s stories that share pivotal moments of innovation in Texas and advancements related to safety and wellness. Click on the titles below to listen to the story or find the full archive of episodes at techminutetexas.com.

Texas in the early days of tech

Learn about Texas history and technology that has come from the Lone Star State:

• Texas Instruments and the TI-84
  In the age of smart phones, wearables and other mobile devices, the Texas Instruments model TI-84 Plus remains a popular choice. It hasn’t changed much since it was introduced in 2004, but it’s still widely used in academic settings. Users like it because it doesn’t’ need Wi-Fi, it performs consistently and comes with great technical support.
• The Texas woman who was the first to beat a spammer
  The first person to successfully sue a spammer, Tracy LaQuey Parker, lives in Austin. When spammers took over the email for her website, flowers.com, she took action. Her court case earned her a $19,000 judgement and entry into the Internet Hall of Fame.
• Voicemail’s Texas roots
  Voicemail has its own story you can trace back to the Lone Star State. Learn about the man behind voicemail and his many ties to Texas.

Technologies that further health and safety

Hear stories that share developments to promote safety and wellness:

• 9-1-1 and cell phones
  A call drop is a disaster during an emergency. Find out some of the latest phone improvements and developments under way making calling 9-1-1 more reliable.
• Blue light bothering you?
  The blue-spectrum light given off by screens on some of your digital devices may be having a physical effect on your body and your sleep. Learn about different ways to reduce your exposure to blue light.
• VR training and safety
  Virtual Reality is creating a low stakes, immersive environment for employees to explore. Discover how some businesses, including Texas Mutual, are already applying VR to their operations.

We’re proud to sponsor TechMinute to help bring innovative stories to businesses across Texas. TechMinute host, Omar Gallaga, is a native Texan and former tech writer for the Austin American Statesman. He’s currently a contributor to cable news outlets CNN and MSNBC, and public radio shows “All Things Considered,” and “Texas Standard.” Gallaga writes, produces and records the TechMinute series, which airs statewide on KLBJ and TSN radio stations.

Texas Mutual is at the forefront of the industry with technologies that help companies work safer. In addition, we’re making the workers’ compensation process simpler, faster and more convenient for our policyholder owners. Keep current with the latest technology news on techminutetexas.com.